TIMBER FOOTBRIDGES – VALORIZATION OF PARAMETRIC ANALYSIS IN OPTIMIZATION OF LAYOUT OF BEAM BRIDGES

Abstract

 Paper presents results of the analysis of possible design solutions of timber beam 
bridges  considering  all  usual  demands  for  their  stability,  safety  and  functionality  when  they  are 
designed to serve pedestrian and cyclist traffic, and, if necessary, traffic of emergency and service 
vehicles as well. Parametric finite element models (FEM) of bridges with simply supported glulam 
main-beams, have been divided into four groups, each consisting of several subgroups. The type of 
load-carrying deck (solid timber or CLT deck, covered by asphalt layer and protected) and its position 
(lower or upper) were selected as relevant characteristic for some group, while the type of transverse 
layout, corresponding to certain deck width and usable traffic profile, and also accompanying solution 
of spatial stabilization were decisive for differentiation of considered subgroups. Using the span of 
the  straight  main-beams  and  useful  width  of  the  load-carrying  deck,  conditioned  by  traffic 
requirements as input parameters, prepared FE models, classified into twelve different cases were 
undergone to static and dynamic analyses. According to criteria we selected as relevant, the results 
of performed analysis were given as recommendations for the selection of optimal structural layout 
matching the span of the bridge and the requests on its functionality and durability.